Limber tail syndrome – when the tail won’t wag!

Limber tail syndrome (or acute caudal myopathy) is also known as cold water tail, limp tail, swimmer’s tail, broken wag or broken tail and is a relatively common, temporary condition in sporting dogs. Affected dogs will appear with a limp tail after swimming or other strenuous activity in cold or wet weather.

An affected dog will appear with a flaccid tail hanging down from the tail base or held horizontally for 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) and then dropping down within 24 hours of strenuous activity. The tail will remain in this position even when the dog moves about. The dog will appear uncomfortable and in pain, especially on palpation of the tail base. It may be reluctant to sit down and have some swelling at the base of the tail. The hair of the proximal tail is often raised.

Cause of limber tail is not known although it is thought to be associated with hard workouts (especially in unfit dogs), heavy hunting, and swimming or bathing in water that is too cold or too warm as well as prolonged transportation in cages. It commonly is seen in retrievers and pointers as they start back into heavier training in the autumn or in young dogs out for the first time from overuse of the tail muscles.

Affected Pointers almost always have a history of prolonged cage transport, a hard workout the previous day, or exposure to cold or wet weather.

Studies suggest that limber tail is associated with muscle damage or inadequate blood supply to the muscles of the tail. Specific muscles are affected – those used in lateral flexion (side-to-side motion) or wagging of the tail. The tail muscles are located in a small space between the coccygeal vertebrae, and an outer layer of dense connective tissue. Because there is not room for the muscles to expand, they essentially become trapped and this results in decreased blood flow. Without adequate blood flow, the muscle cells start to degenerate and this causes pain and dysfunction.

It is common in pointing and retrieving dogs and is typically seen in young adult male dogs. It is most often seen in working breeds especially English Pointers, English Setters, Foxhounds, Beagles and Labrador, Golden and Flat-coated Retrievers.

Limber tail syndrome can be treated at home with rest and warm packs at the base of the tail to help relieve the discomfort. Most owners and trainers familiar with the condition do not seek veterinary assistance, but, if worried, ask your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian may recommend tests to confirm diagnosis, eg blood tests and and X-ray of the tail. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a mild painkiller or anti-inflammatory drug for your dog to aid recovery.

Most dogs recover within a few days to weeks. However, the condition can recur in around one-third of affected dogs and a permanently altered tail posture seen in up to 16%.

Usually your veterinarian will diagnose limber tail by physical examination alone. Limber tail syndrome is rare in non-working dogs, and your vet may recommend a blood test to look for raised creatine kinase (CK) levels and an X-ray of the tail to confirm diagnosis and rule-out traumatic injury, infection or tumor of the tail bones. Other conditions that may cause similar signs are impacted anal glands or prostate disease so your veterinarian may want to rule out these conditions.

Less than 50% of cases have been known to recur. Make sure that your dog is fit prior to the hunting or field trial season. A gradual increase in physical condition prevents stress or fatigue in the first few outings. Avoid icy water and strenuous exercise if your dog is unfit!

Keep bedding dry especially in wet, cold conditions and don’t keep your dog in a cramped crate. There should be room to move and frequent opportunities to get out for exercise.